Understanding gold purity
The difference between 9ct, 14ct and 18ct gold comes down to how much pure gold is contained within the alloy.
Words
Erin Freeman
Images
Union Studios
The difference between 9ct, 14ct and 18ct gold comes down to how much pure gold is contained within the alloy.
9ct gold is 37.5% pure gold, 14ct is 58.5%, and 18ct is 75%. The remaining metals are added to create strength, colour and the characteristics needed for everyday wear.
As the gold content increases, the colour generally becomes richer and more distinctive, particularly in yellow gold. 18ct has a deeper, warmer tone, while 14ct sits somewhere in the middle and 9ct tends to feel slightly softer in colour.
Because lower-carat gold contains a higher proportion of other metals, it can also be more prone to tarnishing or discolouration over time and, depending on the alloy, may be less suitable for particularly sensitive skin.
There isn’t one grade that suits every piece. We consider the design, how the jewellery will be worn, budget and the colour you’re drawn to before recommending an alloy.
The differences can seem small on paper, but become much clearer once you see and handle the metals in person.
